§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he proposes that the £15 million supplement to the research councils should be available in the years 1987–88 and subsequent years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldenThe additional £15 million is for 1987–88. We are assessing the needs of science for future years in the current public expenditure survey. The Government are committed to maintaining and enhancing the strength and quality of the science base. We attach particular importance to sustaining the work of the most able scientists and their teams. I would remind the hon. Member that the Government has increased the science budget by 14 per cent. at constant prices since 1979.